Nigeria backs new global labour rules to improve seafarers’ welfare
By Seun Ibiyemi
Nigeria has officially endorsed revisions to eight key provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, reinforcing its pledge to safeguard the welfare, rights, and working conditions of seafarers.
The endorsement was made at the 5th Special Tripartite Committee Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), held in Geneva.
Heading the Nigerian delegation was the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, who was represented by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola. Dr Mobereola reaffirmed Nigeria’s full backing for the amended codes, describing them as a significant step forward for seafarers’ rights.
The newly adopted amendments tackle a range of pressing concerns, including anti-discrimination protections, official recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved access to shore-based welfare services, and stricter measures to prevent violence, harassment, and bullying on board ships. Additional revisions focus on raising standards for onboard accommodation and recreational facilities.
“Seafarers’ welfare is our priority,” Dr Mobereola stated, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring decent work and living conditions for maritime personnel.
He also drew attention to Nigeria’s recent adoption of a new minimum wage for seafarers, in line with ILO recommendations, as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at aligning national maritime labour standards with global benchmarks.
In his remarks, Dr Mobereola used the international platform to further Nigeria’s campaign for election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, ahead of the forthcoming elections.
He stressed that Nigeria’s presence on the Council would help strengthen Africa’s voice in shaping international maritime regulations, particularly in areas such as labour rights, environmental protection, and technical cooperation.
This development marks the first time Nigeria is stepping up its maritime diplomacy efforts by directly engaging global bodies on labour convention matters.
The ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee comprises countries that have ratified the MLC 2006 and includes leading maritime administrations who also participate in the work of the IMO.